Chatter That Matters, March 28th – April 3rd, 2012

On Thursday, March 28th, Sigma Gamma Rho sorors celebrated International Women’s History Day with

an historical gift to The Black Archives. The Black history poster featured Gwen S. Cherry, the sorority’s national legal advisor. Joining Claudia E. Slater in the presentation to Dr. Dorothy J. Fields were Ruby T. Rayford, Annette W. Brantley and Katie L. Williams.

 

The chapter continued its ‘on fire to serve’ committees via the Sorority Nationwide Youth Symposium at the North Central Branch Library on Saturday, March 10th with a theme of the 15th Annual Project Reassurance Initiative H3: “It’s all about  me”: Healthy Choices, Healthy Living and Healthy Generations. Distinguished guest panelists and participants included: Vivian  Cantor, Dr. Angel D. Lightfoot, Kalenthia Nunnally-Bain, Laurice Harris, Laronda Moore and Rev. Darryl Baxter who offered prayer for our youth.The sorority also received a proclamation from County Commissioner Audrey Edmonson.

 

Prior to door prizes and certificates being given out, Jamika Hannah, a Central High

 

student, performed a mime rendition of “Encourage Myself.”  Sigma Gamma Rho sorors attending the midday event were: Claudia Slater, president; Wilma Council, co-chair; La’Trese McPhee Williams, co-chair; and symposium moderator, Annette Brantley; along with Dr. Enid C. Pinkney, W. Doris Neal, Geneieve Paul, Linda Tartt and Katie Williams.

 

Nelson Jenkinslaid out his plans as chairman of the annual scholarship last Wednesday at the monthly meeting. The board concluded that the event will be held, Sunday, May 6th, at 1 p.m. at the DoubleTree Hotel (behind the Omni downtown).

 

Dr. Astrid Mack (who’s not married) agreed to supervise the mailing of invitations and remind the guests that the cost is $50.00 per person and is due before April 11th.   Fletcher Paschal, chairman of the scholarship board, plans to give out several scholarships with a complete application and two comps for a parent and recipient, along with two scholarships given from the Dr. Lorraine F. Strachan Fund and more. Call Mack for more info.

 

Jean Albury Perry, president and member of the Patriot Usher Board provided the community with a fabulous “Frappe Sip” for the Annual Pre-Saint Patrick’s Day, recently, at Ebenezer United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Joreatha Capers, pastor/teacher. Music was provided by Patricia Bryant as the membership marched in on “When We All Get to Heaven,” while Veronica Rahming presided and introduced Rev. JoAnn Brookins and her visiting church, Carol City/Opa-locka UMC that provided the opening prayer, offering, selections, Willie Mae Gibson, welcome/occasion and Norma Sankwho introduced the keynote speaker.

 

Some in attendance included: Cleomie McKenzie, Betty Bullard, Agnes Boykins, Leroy Wilson, Sr., William O. Francis, Helen Brown, Judy Lathan, Denise March, Altamese Rolle, Merlene Troutman, Elbert Vereen, Hattie M. Vereen, Betty Simmons, Carrie Glenn and Willie M. Pinder.

 

To accommodate the entourage of those paying respect after the death of Ruth Whyms, 48th Street had to be blocked off from 12th Avenue to 7th Ave. Ruth was like a mother and Mother Teresa and took care of 30 children and parents for 63 years. She lived the life of a Christine and woke the gang by saying, “Rise and Shine and give God the Glory.”

 

Richard Smith,a member of the Michael’s Diner regular, received cheers from the gang on his arrival from a week at the Lakeland Girls’ Basketball Tournament.

 

Welcoming Smith back were: Johnny Davis, McArthur Carter, Cleve Baker, Robert Walker, William Evans, William Snell,  Arnold Davis, Jake Caldwell, Jerome Simpkins and Arnold Davis.

 

Prayer goes out to the family of the late Willie Mae Denson, a retired special education teacher who spent 32 years in the public school system. Prayers also go out to the family of the late Frank Lazier, former member of Bethany SDA Church and husband of Juanita Matthews.

 By Richard Strachan